Newsletter August 2016

Introduction

A new month with new possibilities. This month our resident Automotive Specialist Steve Smith brings you a brand new Guided Test. Covering parasitic battery drain, Steve discusses both how to complete the test and how to analyze your results.

We are currently working hard preparing for our next big event, the huge international show Automechanika Frankfurt. We also have a new product focus piece on our breakout leads kits, Frank Massey's third video from our Top ten tests series, and a video overview of the latest update (version 16) to Diagnostic Assistance from Auto-Solve.

Guided Test - Parasitic battery drain

This month Steve Smith has put together a superb Guided Test on parasitic battery drain, using a current clamp. This Guided Test will be included in a future update of our PicoScope 6 Automotive software, but you can find the full test on our website right now. The purpose of this test is to evaluate the level of parasitic current draw from the battery during a vehicle's shutdown phase and sleep periods.

How to perform the test

How to perform the test

PicoScope settings

Alternatively the TA018 20/60 A current clamp (small jaw) can be used. However, a 10 A fused jumper wire may be required if the battery cable diameter exceeds 8 mm).

Timebase: 200 s/div
Sample counter: 1 MS

One of the most important items to check before carrying out this test is the status of the current clamp you wish to use.

Making sure that the current clamp's internal battery is sufficiently charged seems simple enough, but if you do not check this you could lose valuable data. You should also switch on the current clamp and let it warm up internally so it can acclimatize...

Product Focus: Breakout leads kits

Automechanika Frankfurt 2016

Automechanika Frankfurt is the world's leading trade fair for the automotive service industry and is unique with regard to the breadth and depth of the product range on display. The fair is the shop window for innovations in the automotive aftermarket across the entire value chain. As an international meeting place for all market participants from the industry, dealership trade and maintenance and repair segments, it provides a major platform for business and technological knowledge transfer.

This year, Pico Technology will be showing off the new 5 Steps to success training program, along with various product features.

We look forward to seeing you there.

New products

HT extension lead (TA037)HT extension leads are simple accessories that allow you to take accurate secondary ignition measurements on COP ignition systems. They are designed to aid diagnostics on secondary ignition circuits by allowing an HT measurement to be made when there is no, or limited, access to any spark plug leads.

Gear Ties (TA295)Gear Tie reusable rubber twist ties have a tough rubber shell that provides excellent grip, a strong wire inside that holds it shape, and a range of bright colour to catch your eye. At Pico we use these for a number of different applications, from hanging up diagnostics tools to tidying cables. The possibilities are endless.

PicoScope Master kit

Our automotive Master kit has been designed to give our customers a way of buying everything they need in one hit. Although the amount of tools available to add to your toolbox is constantly expanding, this will provide you with the necessary equipment for comprehensive diagnostics. It consists of an upgraded and extended Advanced kit in a new, larger and tougher carry case along with our WPS500X Maxi kit in a separate case. The kit also includes our connector breakout lead kit B, the fuse extension lead kit, insulation piercing probes and an assorted pack of gear ties. The carry case also has foam cut-out locations for the PicoScope NVH Diagnostics kit.

Auto-Solve Diagnostic Assistance v16

Version 16 of the useful Diagnostic Assistance software from Auto-Solve is now released including significant updates to the already valuable content
Thousands of garages, workshops, mobile technicians and colleges benefit from the use of Diagnostic Assistance, which is there to help improve the diagnostic processes and first-time fix rate.

There has been a significant update to the content in this version with a host of new features. Several new technologies are covered, such as MOST, FLEXRAY, LIN, components, vehicle networks and more. In addition, it has a new Body Systems Component Test section with 24 tests, 138 DTC linked component test plans, over 2700 drawings...

Auto-Solve Introduce Diagnostic Assistance V16

A quick 5 minute review of the latest version of this helpful software. Lots of info, comparative data and just-in-time-training.

Autotechnician's Big Day Out

3rd September 2016

Guests will benefit from the vast technical know-how of James Dillon, Frank Massey, Pico’s Steve Smith and Andy Crook of GotBoost. The event will run between 10am and 4pm at Tool Connection in Warwickshire. It will bring independent technicians and workshop owners together, with trainers and the team at autotechnician magazine to share techniques and ideas in an informal setting.

One lucky raffle winner will take home a PicoScope 2-Channel Starter kit. If they already have a PicoScope, the prize can be exchanged for a 2000 A current clamp with a flexible COP probe.

We're hiring!

Please visit http://pico.jobs/ to see our current vacancies. We look forward to hearing from you!

Software releases

Our latest software releases are available as free downloads. To check which release you are using, start the software and select Help > About.

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